Australian Dress Register

The Queensland Police Inspector/Sub-Inspector tunic manufactured between 1936 - 1950 sheds light on the Queensland Police Force during the 1930s to late 1940s and on the manufacturing industry in Brisbane during this same period. The owner of the garment is unknown, however, whoever wore this tunic must have been a male Inspector or Sub-Inspector who wore the uniform for ceremonial purposes. The hip-length, black tunic is primarily made from black-dyed wool. It is both a decorative item consisting of intricate black braiding and a practical garment, worn as a uniform. The item is significant due to its good condition, showing few signs of damage apart from two moth holes and some signs of discolouration and wear. The measurements indicate that it was designed for someone of a small build, with no evidence of alterations made during the life-span of the item. 

The item is also significant as it still possesses a manufacturers label. As the original owner of the uniform is unknown, it is important to have some historical and wider community connection through its tailor. Arthur J Longson was a successful tailor during this period in Brisbane and his label has allowed the uniform to be correctly dated. His significance in the wider community is known due to the large number of advertisements published in the Brisbane Courier Mail requesting young and old apprentices and handymen/women to help in his business. His business especially boomed with the conclusion of World War II and the return of servicemen to Australia. By researching the manufacturer, Adelaide Street in Brisbane in 1936-1950 has come to life. Jewish Womens' Leagues, dairy companies, real estate agents and tailors all shared the same premises in the centre of Brisbane. Examing this garment has allowed for research to delve beyond the Queensland Police and into the society of Brisbane in the pre and post-World War II era.  

Unlike many of the other garments published on the site that are significant due to their owners or wearers, this tunic serves two significant roles. Firstly it allows for an insight into the levels of command in the Queensland Police Force both before and after World War II. Although limited, it begins to tell a story of its owner. The tunic can also tell its viewer a significant tale in the history of Brisbane's CBD. 

Author: Virginia Gordon and Rebecca Lush, 20.10.2014.

A single breasted, hip length tunic of black wool and velvet with braided decoration in front and back. The tunic is long-sleeved with an Austrian knot decoration on the lower end of the tunic sleeves. The waist of the tunic is defined by panels of fabric, darts and braiding on the rear of the tunic. There is a black velvet standup collar edged with a medium woven braid, and a fine cord looped in circles. Two small oval gold, black and white metal collar badges are attached on either side of the front opening. These are Queensland Police collar badges. Epaulettes on the shoulders carry the rank insignia of Commissioner of Police. They consist of a gold King's Crown, two gold stars and gold letters 'QP' in metal. The decoration on the front of the tunic consists of woven black braid featuring circles and drops (larger double circles) and olivets which are the cylindrical toggles covered by a black thread netting. The jacket is lined with black material except for the sleeves which are lined with a cream fabric that has blue and brown fine stripes grouped together in sets of three.